[PatSV650]

Well, here I am. Not even a week after my crash and I'm thinking about the next bike. Nothing broken. Just sore. Got some time before I can afford the next ride, so, I want to make the right choice.

My kind of riding: I prefer the twisty back roads over the highway. I do take the highway on occasion, but, usually only to get to the twisties. I like naked bikes and the riding position they come with. More upright but with the ability to ride aggressive. That said, on to the choices....

Honda 919: So far, I like what I have to hear about everything I've read about this bike. I like the fact that it's engine is tuned for low end and midrange torque. I like how it looks. Seat height is lower than most in it's class, which is good for me and my lack of inseam. It's relatively light (427 lbs. sidenote:427 is my lucky number) Price is about $8400

Suzuki SV650 naked version: I've owned one of these. A 2003. Very fun, light, flickable and torquey little bike. Great power accross the revs. Wouldn't mind owning another, but, I think I'm ready for "litre class" Price is about $5800

Kawasaki Z1000: Don't know much about this bike except for the price and that it's naked and a litre bike. Any input? Price is about $8500

Triumph Speed Triple: Again, don't know much beyond price and displacement. Any input? Priced at about $9,900

If anyone has other suggestions, I'm listening Any input, good or bad, on any of these bikes, would be greatly appreciated!

[PatSV650]

Choices choices choices

[PatSV650]

choices

[PatSV650]

and choices

[PatSV650]

last one

[OreoGitorio]

check out www.drsardonicus.com - he's got some KICKASS vids featuring his 919... and i just so happened to see a used 919 over at Greater Boston Motorsports

I'd drop the SV from the list unless you're lookin for more bang for your buck & can't afford the others, and i love the z1000 cept for that front "fairing" I rode Brents around the parkin lot at NHIS & liked it alot though, but didn't really get a chance to open it up at all since we were in the pits.

i dunno enough about the tripple... other than the fact i think the rear end looks dumb... like it got chopped off... in that pic it looks like an oversized mini-bike

[oreo_n2]

i was looking at all those same bikes last year when i decided on the z1k.

i got the most power for the best price... go look for a leftover and haggle em down. i got mine brand new for $7k... out the door (2003 leftover.)


i do still love the look of the asphalt 919 though and its a tad lighter but its down in power from the Z1k

[Manny]

SP3 all the way. More power than you could ever need, incredible looking, totally bad-ass and the sound of the triple. Oh for the love of god the sound of the triple.

Im not to sure how easy they are to find in the color you may want though.

[TheIglu]

As much as I love the Triple, I voted Z1K. Those little bikes are sweet for the $$.

If you don't ever want to worry about it being stolen or having to wash it, you are welcome to try my boat on for size anytime.

[richw]

fz1

[Kham]

this one

[slaps76]

Since I don't know crap about the Triumph, I voted Z1000. Although a completely different kind of bike what I have, it was next on my list. Sweet engine, love the look, and it's pretty inexpensive.

[PatSV650]

Originally posted by richw
fz1

How are the ergo's on the FZ1 as opposed to the 919 and the Z? Looks a little more aggressive. Looks could be deceiving...

Starting to look like it will come down to the Z1K or the 919, for me anyway. Oreo, how is the Z in the low to mid range? Do I have to rev the shit out of it or does it have decent pull at slightly lower revs? That's what' appealing to me on the 919 at the moment. I'm not looking for top end as much as ability to take the short/tight twisties.

I know I seem to be leaning towards the 919, but, I'll wait to see what else people post / vote for

Thanks so far to everyone for the help

Edit: It looks like the 919 has an edge in the suspension department. From what I've read, the Z could use some upgrades in that department. The new 919 has preload and compression adjustments up front and pre-load in the back. .... . . .

[oreo_n2]

i never rode a 919.... couldn't find one when i was looking. BUT the z is way more torquey than my old aprilia 1 liter vtwin anywhere above 500 rpm.... but theres more.... its smooth in power delivery too ( i have yet to have a vtwin do that nicely).... and at the track you can rev the shit out of it on top of all that... it seems like a great all arounder to me. I did drop a tooth on the front sprocket this winter so it would be closer to the power band more often while riding.... but i think i am gonna swap it back... it doesn't add that much to performance and my speedo is way off now.

the 919 does have more adjustable suspension. i havent touched my suspension except for preload up front and shortened dog bones in the rear (lift kit in back). The preload is to deal with my weight (~200 lbs) and the lift kit was so the rear would not drag exhaust parts anymore at the track. it probably should be adjusted/upgraded further, but i dont know what i'm doing in that respect and it handles to my abilities so far... so i have left it alone. i hope that helps.

all in all, i just ride the bike... tons of power, smooth delivery, very comfy, handles great, and even has good gas mileage and it travels well with saddlebags and a tank bag. no complaints really.

BigRed875 also has one on here (he has the slower black one) and he did all kinds of shit to it and rides a lot faster than i.... he could probably be more help on the suspension especially.

[PatSV650]

Very cool! Thanks! I'm gonna try to keep this thread going for while to see what else has to be said.

It'll probably come down to test rides. If I can find a 919 at a dealer. Sounds like that might be a problem. I take it Z's aren't hard to come by at dealers?

[CitizenFrye]

I'd say go with the Triple... Got rated good in the last TWO mag from the UK... I thought about one instead of the Double R I have now..

[katana0215]

I vote for the trumpet

[mikeb]

i voted z1000, i love that bike. just lose the stock exhoust. speed trip is a CLOSE second.

i had an fz1. great bike, big power but if your i-seam challaged like me it sits a little high. i would own another one but i would lower it. the fz also has those carb thingies the z1 is injected. much nicer imo. unless your looking for a warrenty i would look used. many deals to be had on all the bikes you listed with low miles.

Get the Triumph. Also go to www.getamotorcycle.com and look for Triumphs, You can probably find a smoking deal on a left over Speed Triple.
Lee

[McBiggity]

triple!!